OUR GROWTH ECONOMY

CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMIC ENGINE

Tourism powers communities across the state

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Posting record gains over the past decade, the tourism
industry remains a foundational force driving California forward – a muscular
pillar of the world’s fifth largest economy. From the biggest international
gateway cities to rural towns throughout the state, the impact of travel
spending on local economies cannot be understated, continuing to trend upwards
as more destinations and organizations deepen their commitment to growing
regional travel economies.

Propelling California

Since the Great Recession of 2008, the Golden State tourism industry has generated steady economic growth every year for the past decade.
In 2018, travel spending, the tax revenue it generates and the jobs it supports reached new heights, surpassing previous highwater marks set each year prior.

Source: Dean Runyan Associates

$140.6B

In-state Spending, 2018

1.2M

Jobs, 2018

$11.8B

State and Local Tax Revenue, 2018

Funding Essential Public Services

In addition to the revenue generated for tourism businesses and destinations, the travel industry is one of the biggest drivers of state and local tax revenues that fund essential public services.

These services – which include public safety, infrastructure, development, local libraries and more ­– benefit all Californians. Without the revenue generated by visitor spending, each California household would have had to pay an additional $890 in taxes in 2018.

California’s Top Export

As one of the biggest agricultural producers of anywhere in the world, California is widely known as the breadbasket of the country. To this end, one would assume agricultural commodities are the state’s biggest export. They’re not.

International travelers spent a record $28 billion in the Golden State in 2018, outpacing comparable industries by a wide margin. That spending makes tourism California’s biggest export — one that continues to expand year over year.

“For years, tourists have injected billions into Bay Area businesses. Visitors who come from near and far spark an economic ripple effect across our region that benefits businesses of all sizes, from iconic attractions to hotels, restaurants and stores.”